ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 295337
This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can submit corrected information.
| Date: | Saturday 23 August 2003 |
| Time: | 11:15 LT |
| Type: |  Piper PA-38-112 |
| Owner/operator: | |
| Registration: | N40PA |
| MSN: | 38-78A0628 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1978 |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-235-L2A |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Panama City, Florida -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Panama City, FL (KPFN) |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
While maneuvering the airplane, the pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing in a dirt field, impacted with trees at the approach end of the field, and nosed into the ground. Fuel was found at the crash site, and the pilot told investigators that he had refueled the airplane 6 days before the accident with 93 octane automobile gas.The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who responded to the accident stated the aircraft was utilizing 93 octane automobile gasoline by the current owner. Particles of the sealant used in the wet wing of the airplane were found throughout the wing tanks, electric-driven fuel pump, and carburetor. Piper Aircraft Corporation service bulletin number 855, dated January 14, 1987, outlines the concerns with respect to the use of automotive type gasoline in Piper airplanes. In summary, the use of automotive fuels is prohibited in Piper Airplanes. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report was not received.
Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to follow the airplane manufacturer's recommendation to not use automobile fuel in the airplane resulting in deterioration of the fuel tank sealant, fuel starvation of the engine from fuel system contamination, and subsequent collision with trees during a force landing.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB MIA03LA170
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 13-Oct-2022 07:16 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2024 Flight Safety Foundation